TODAY’S WORD…

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

– Luke 1:42

REFLECTION…

We read, in the first chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel, how, just after the Angel Gabriel had revealed to Mary that she was to be the Mother of God and that her cousin, Elizabeth, was soon to give birth, the Blessed Virgin immediately takes a long journey to go and visit and support her cousin. As soon Mary arrived Elizabeth, moved by the Holy Spirit exclaims with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

When we say the “Hail Mary” we repeat Elizabeth’s Spirit-led greetings, “rejoicing with Mary at her dignity as Mother of God, and praising the Lord, thanking Him for having given us Jesus Christ through Mary.” (St. Pius X Catechism)

No one ever had faith to compare with Mary’s; she is the model of the attitude a creature should have towards its Creator – complete submission, total attachment. Through her faith, because of her belief in the promise of salvation, Mary is the instrument chosen by God to bring about the Redemption. She is truly Blessed.

PRAYER…

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with you.

Blessed are you among women,

and Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now,

and at the hour of our death.

Amen

Mary Immaculate, most blessed among women,

pray for us that following your example, we too may be truly blessed.

And blessed be God forever. Amen